Boxing Day Raft Race in Scarborough Goes Ahead

Preparations are underway for Scarborough’s Boxing Day raft race after the South Bay Traders Association joined forces with Scarborough Sub Aqua Club to co-ordinate the annual event.

The raft race was under threat of cancellation due to issues regarding the management of the spectators safety. Scarborough Sub Aqua Club issued a public appeal for help with crowd marshalling, which was answered by the South Bay Traders Association and now both organisations are jointly organising the raft race.

Matt Newsome, chairman of the Sub Aqua Club, said:

“We were worried that we would have to cancel the raft race this year as the ever growing requirements for spectator safety were exceeding the resources and expertise of the club.

Thankfully the South Bay Traders Association offered to take over the crowd marshalling responsibilities and hopefully this will be the best year yet for the raft race.”

The Raft Race has been taking place alongside the Mile of Pennies and Football Match every Boxing Day since 1971. The three events aim to raise money for the Fishermen and Firemen’s Charity Fund, which helps the elderly and less fortunate of Scarborough.